Successful Mich. deer season predicted

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Deer hunters in Michigan are expected to see a successful season in the field this year, according to a new report from the state Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR's report on the 2013 season said some areas may see lower numbers of deer following severe winter weather, which included heavy snowfall and a late thaw in places. Overall, the DNR said the change is expected to be minimal in the northern Lower Peninsula.

"High numbers of deer sightings have been reported throughout the summer months across the northern lower region," the report said. "Reported pictures on trail cameras are giving many hunters high hopes for the coming season both for larger bucks and successful antlerless harvests."

Hunting in parts of the Lower Peninsula has been affected by epizootic hemorrhagic disease, an insect-spread deer disease. That's expected to be the case again this season, although the only outbreak reported recently has been in Muskegon County.

"Hunters in areas that appear to have been hardest hit by EHD are encouraged to continue to limit antlerless deer harvest, but hunters afield this season will have an opportunity to directly assess recovery of deer in these areas," the DNR's report said.

The disease isn't a threat to humans. It causes extensive internal bleeding in deer and is transmitted by a type of biting fly called a midge.